Surveying 2018 Candidates for State Legislature

We asked each of the 14 candidates for the State Legislature in the 8th, 9th, and 16th Legislative Districts for responses to questions we thought would be important to our readers. We emailed the same set of questions to each candidate regardless of political affiliation, making it clear that we wanted to include everyone. We published the responses we received in our September and October print editions and are repeating them here for our readers.

The Tumbleweird Editorial Board does not specifically endorse any political candidate. Candidate profiles and interviews are provided for information. Tumbleweird’s board encourages eligible voters to think critically, make their own decisions, and exercise their right to vote in every election.

The candidates we emailed questions to are in the following list. We received responses from the candidates whose names are in bold.

Here are the questions. The underlined portion is used in the responses to refer back to the full question.

Questions

Why are you running for office?

What do you think is the most important issue facing the state today, and what have you done or what will you do to address it?

What is your position on public education, the McCleary decision, and charter schools? What will you do to ensure education is adequately funded for your district?

With our country and politics so divided along party lines, what will you do to ensure partisanshipdoes not hinder legislative decision making for the benefit of all Washingtonians?

What is your position in situations where there is a conflict between state regulations and local restrictions for the legal sale of cannabis products?

Do you believe in equal protection under the law for all members of Washington State’s protected classes under RCW 49.60, including members of the LGBT community? Do you think businesses open to the public should be allowed to refuse service based on a deeply held religious belief, even when that refusal conflicts with the equal protections under state law?

What is your position on net neutrality?

Do you think the Washington State Attorney General should sue the federal government when federal policies conflict with the rights and values of the people of Washington State?

Jenn Goulet, 9th LD, State Rep. Pos. 1

TW: Why are you running?

Goulet: I’m running because I’m angry. I’m angry because all my life I was told that if I was just determined enough and worked hard enough I’d be successful and accomplish the American Dream. Disadvantaged? Just gotta "pull yourself up by your bootstraps." But I learned that’s not always how it works, and for more and more of us, that’s not how it works more and more often. Sometimes, we just need a little help.When I was in high school, I did everything right—everything that society tells you to do if you want to be successful. After graduating, I was in a car accident, not at fault, with an uninsured motorist. Unable to work and with medical bills piling up, instead of going to college and getting a degree, I was finding a lawyer so I could declare medical bankruptcy by the age of 20. I was angry.Life started to get better. I got married, we had a couple of kids, and I got my first college degree. Then, in 2008, we had to sell our home for my husband’s job move. The housing market collapsed and we had to short-sell our home at a huge loss, just like thousands and thousands of regular people all across America. The banks got bailed out while the people got sold out. Then, I was laid off along with 2,500 other people and suffered a period of extended unemployment. And once again found myself without health insurance for a couple of years. I was angry.Unlike a lot of people, I was eventually able to recover. I’m a respected and contributing member of my community.The Republican Party is doing everything in their power to dismantle the very social safety nets that saved me while simultaneously writing laws that wreak havoc on the economy and lead to unemployment, lack of healthcare, and financial crisis—the very things that lead to needing the nets in the first place. I'm now well beyond angry.I'm running to fight for living wages. I'm running to fight for diverse educational opportunities that don’t saddle young people with debt. I'm running to fight for health care that is actually accessible for all, including mental health care. I'm running to fight for policies that promote economic, social, racial, and political justice, because inequality is the greatest threat to democracy of our time. And I'm running to fight for a better future for your kids as hard as l fight for a better future for my own kids.I'm running because I don't want to be angry anymore. It doesn't have to be like this.

TW: most important issue?

Goulet: As wonderful as Washington State is, too many people still feel powerless and are losing hope. Social, political, and economic inequality is upending lives. We must begin to restore balance, and one of the most urgent ways to move towards accomplishing that is to reform the most regressive tax structure in the nation by instituting a capital gains tax, closing tax loopholes, reforming the Business & Occupation tax, and holding corporations accountable for the subsidies they receive. Money is power. It's time to put some of that power back in the hands of the average people who have had theirs taken from them.

TW: public education?

Goulet: The McCleary decision was a big step forward, but there's more work to do. One important thing to accomplish in the next Legislative session will be to clarify that money was meant for teacher and classified staff salary, which was a point of contention this school year that let to strikes and near strikes across the state. We also need to increase funding for special education. I'm adamantly opposed to charter schools. To fund education, including higher education, we need to increase revenue to the state in the ways I mentioned already to reform our regressive tax structure.

TW: partisanship?

Goulet: I will work across party lines, while holding to my values, when it benefits the people I'm elected to represent. I'm a Democrat, but my loyalty is ultimately to people, not party.

TW: cannabis?

Goulet: The Washington State Supreme Court upheld local governments' rights to restrict legal cannabis businesses, but I think it's really self-defeating. Local governments that restrict the sale of legal cannabis products are turning away revenue and ensuring the black market thrives. Personally, I'd like to see more local elected officials come around on this issue or see more enlightened people get elected and lift the bans and moratoriums.

TW: equal protection?

Goulet: I've been on the front lines of this issue locally since the Arlene's Flowers battle of 2013. I believe in equal protection under the law for protected classes under RCW 49.60, full stop. In a free and civilized society, no business open to the public can be allowed to refuse service on religious grounds, no matter how deeply held. It is interesting to note that RCW 49.60.040 defines protected classes as "race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or with any sensory, mental, or physical disability." Note that creed is mentioned, but not religion. Religions can have a creed, but a creed is not necessarily religious. I just find that interesting, don't you? You can read a piece I wrote about this issue online: From DOMA to Hobby Lobby: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back (just google my name and the title and you'll find it.).

TW: net neutrality?

Goulet: Protecting open and equal access to the Internet is essential to free markets and the free marketplace of ideas.

TW: federal policies?

Goulet: Yes. I have a bit of a crush on our Attorney General Bob Ferguson for his bold moves to protect our rights and values. He's a hero in my book.

Shir Regev, 8th LD, State Rep. Pos. 1

TW: Why are you running?

Regev: As somebody who was born and raised in Eastern Washington, I am tired of other people trying to tell me what my values are or are not. The idea that everybody deserves to live free from discrimination is not a “West Side” value. It’s something so fundamental it’s written into our Constitution. “We the people” means all of us, not just a select few.

TW: most important issue?

Regev: Healthcare is the most important issue. People should not go bankrupt because they had to visit the emergency room. People should not lose their jobs because they couldn’t afford to see a doctor and wound up missing so much work they got fired. For this reason, I support single payer healthcare.

TW: public education?

Regev: I’m a graduate of the Kennewick School District, so I applaud the McCleary decision. I’m surprised at how long it took for the Legislature to stop being in contempt. Still, this is only a starting point. There’s a lot of work which needs to happen to ensure education is properly funded well into the future.

I don’t support state funding for charter schools. It blurs the lines of providing equal opportunities to all children in the public-school system. If parents (or a parent) want to send their child to a private school, that is their decision. However, we have so many challenges trying to achieve educational equity it is unfair to siphon money to schools which not all children have a fair shot at attending. If Washington gets to a point where every child has the ability to obtain the same quality of education regardless of where they live or who they are, I would be more amenable to entertaining the idea. We aren’t at this point yet, so for the sake of ensuring all children in the public school system have a fair shot at future success, state funding needs to go toward strengthening our public schools. I will work to ensure school funding is secured well into the future and not by short changing other crucial programs in our state.

TW: partisanship?

Regev: I was once asked why somebody in our region should vote for a Progressive. My answer back then still applies. I have to believe the people who run to serve us in Olympia do so out of a love for Washington and the desire to ensure not only that Washington succeeds, but that all of our residents are able to thrive. This belief creates the space to work on both sides of the aisle. If you have a good idea that helps ALL Washingtonians (emphasis on the word ALL), it shouldn’t matter which party you belong to.

TW: cannabis?

Regev: To me, the question of legalization was settled when voters passed Initiative 502 so it bothers me that a council of seven people or a commission of only three can pass a moratorium on the sale of cannabis. I would like to see something on the books that if a community wants to ban cannabis sales, it be put to a popular vote of the residents instead of having the will of the people be overturned by committee.

TW: equal protection?

Regev: Let me say this. I am a lesbian. It’s no coincidence I filed to run for this exact position.Throughout history people have used religion as justification for repugnant things such as slavery and the subjugation of women. If we are being honest with ourselves, we all know that just because we have laws on the books, it doesn’t stop discrimination from happening. But we have to start somewhere. If we allow one form of discrimination to persist under the guise of religious liberty, then how much longer before we permit discrimination against other protected classes? You have the right to believe what you want when you are at home or at your place of worship. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say your business (which is not a person) has to follow the law of the land.

TW: net neutrality?

Regev: I support it. I believe in creating a level playing field for all of our citizens. It’s no secret that knowledge is power. In our times the biggest conduit to knowledge is the Internet. It needs to be kept as it is.

TW: federal policies?

Regev: This question tickles me. Republicans rally behind the notion of states’ rights. What we see when our AG sues the federal government is really an exercise of this. I love the independent streak we have in Washington. I love that we are at the forefront of standing up for human values and common decency. I also think that if you look past some of the more insular views you see on local Facebook threads or comments on articles in the Herald, the majority of Washingtonians share the values our AG is fighting for. You know, the ones in our State Constitution.

Matt Boehnke, 8th LD, State Rep. Pos. 2

TW: Why are you running?

Boehnke: I am running for office to support more bridging this divide that we have in our society today. I believe in core values that my parents taught me and were reinforced as a Commander in the US military. We need to treat people with respect, honesty, integrity, and listen more. My top three priorities are: 1). Education - We must encourage growth of WSU Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College, as well as increase support for vocational and apprentice education options of our young people, is an investment in our future. 2) Energy - We need to be on the leading edge of innovation and science by developing new, and upgrading existing energy facilities. Adequate and reasonably priced energy is essential for economic growth. 3) Economy - It is imperative that government agencies decrease unnecessary regulations that cause intrusions and administrative delays that drive up business costs. We must actively recruit and retain businesses and industries.

TW: most important issue?

Boehnke: Even though the McCleary decision was ruled adequately funded, I believe education is still and should be our top priority. The Paraeducators, mental health specialists, and other supporting staffs still need support as well as teachers. We need to do more for school safety as well.

TW: public education?

Boehnke: See above. I would continue to add, as a current teacher at CBC, I believe we need to look at evolving our education system to improve it, providing all students an option for their passion in life. Whatever their career, they should have an opportunity for success within it. Whether that is a technical trade, community college, or 4-year college, or what about a local startup. Why are we not another Silicon Valley?

TW: partisanship?

Boehnke: I believe we lost focus on the core values of what our constitution was based upon. It is ok to debate the issues, not the individual. We need to listen more. When elected I pledge to listen first, then take actions to achieve the collective good. My demonstrated leadership with integrity provides the experience we need in Olympia. Growing higher education is vital to meeting the community’s needs. A robust workforce and education of our young people are investments in our future! I support researching technologies and developing new, and upgrading existing, facilities and protecting the grid from threats. Creating jobs is key to a strong economy; therefore, we must decrease unnecessary regulations that drive up costs. The district must be open for business and actively recruit and retain businesses and industries.

TW: cannabis?

Boehnke: Where there is a conflict, I believe local control is the way to go. The people have spoken by their vote. Cannabis is legal. I believe in working the current regulations for the benefit of local control. I believe the state does some good but in a limited way. We at the state must do our best to provide this funding back to our districts to support law enforcement, school safety, education, etc.

TW: equal protection?

Boehnke: Yes under the law. I believe everyone has a right to equal protection under the current laws. Each case must be discussed based on its situation.

TW: net neutrality?

Boehnke: As a cybersecurity professor, I am for free and open internet, not restrained by the government. We need to be careful on what that means to our children when parents allow them access at a younger age. I believe parents need more help in keeping younger kids from certain websites and using the automated software to help protect our youth while online. We need more funding for this support, especially in local law enforcement.

TW: federal policies?

Boehnke: Yes, but must always keep us current on “why.” I am not for social media rants on any side, but a valid basis of an argument that support lawsuits with specific reasons for suits and where the conflict with rights and values are in question. I don’t think our government agencies do enough in this arena.

Christopher Tracy, 8th LD, State Rep. Pos. 2

TW: Why are you running?

Tracy: I view election to the State House as an extension of my public service. “Do what I can, when I can” has been the creed I have lived by. I am passionate when I say that I will watch the backs of students, families, workers, veterans, disabled, and senior citizens.

TW: most important issue?

Tracy: Education. The paramount duty of the legislature is to provide for education. While the funding pieces are now pretty much intact to support the McCleary decision to appropriately fund education (except for class size in grades 4-12), the details of the legislation are a bit clumsy and need clarification. As a legislator, I will work to make the funding pieces work more smoothly and effectively. For example, the high poverty, special education, and ELL funding pieces need to be revisited and revised. Why is the Richland School District getting 6% more money for teacher salaries than Kennewick or Pasco? I will address how this salary funding mechanism works so that the Kennewick School District (and Pasco, even though not in District 8) are funded at the same level as Richland for teacher salaries. More direction and clarification need to be given to school districts to address the levy cliff and financial implications of school districts being on different fiscal years than the state during the transition time before all are on the same fiscal year. The state legislature mandated that all school employees be moved to a new state-run health/benefits plan in 2020; my health insurance background will allow me to provide oversight and leadership in this transition. Schools need to be safe and will work to promote school security, ongoing intruder training for staff and support hiring more counselors and social workers for early interventions— I will work legislatively to direct Educational Service Districts to become the resource for school security best practices for school districts. I hope to be on the K-12 Education Committee in the state legislature.

TW: public education?

Tracy: (See my response above.) I do not support expansion of charter schools beyond what the initiative called for until smaller classes in grades 4-12 are funded. I think we need to look at our taxation system to adequately fund our state's needs. This will include slightly lowering the B&O tax but removing many of the exemptions, looking for ways the wealthiest state citizens can pay their fair share of taxes, likely through a capital gains tax, and we need to make government run more efficiently.

TW: partisanship?

Tracy: As a table team contract bargainer for a large school district for 20 years, I believe that I bring a unique skill set to the legislature. The state budget is a grand bargain and I’m a trained and experienced bargainer. I understand that all sides need to be listened to; I understand that compromise is essential to getting things done and that making progress is good thing and legislation is not simply getting “all or nothing.” I know that the Democratic caucus is important to me, but it is not my religion; I work well with others, listen to all and often learn from those that I might not have thought I agreed with. As a bargainer, I am also familiar with and articulating large scale budgets. The last three-year contract where I was the senior teacher bargainer pushed a three-year budget of about $600 million dollars. I have a history of getting things done and bring that experience to the legislature.

TW: cannabis?

Tracy: Local restrictions are enacted by local politicians. If they do not support the wishes of their constituents, then don't re-elect them or use other means to overturn their decisions. For example, in Richland, Legalize Richland, is collecting signatures to put a ballot initiative forward to be voted on. Those are the two remedies that I see when local regulations constrain state laws.

TW: equal protection?

Tracy: Yes, I believe in equal protection, including the LGBT community. My personal belief is that businesses need to serve the public equally. In cases of religious belief, then another employee should serve the customer. For example, if a devout Catholic pharmacist does not believe in dispensing birth control pills, then another employee should automatically make that transaction.

TW: net neutrality?

Tracy: Support. This was passed by our legislature.

TW: federal policies?

Tracy: Yes, traditionally that has been a core piece of that job [of the Attorney General]. While suits against the Trump administration have been in the news lately, our AG sued the Obama administration, too!

Leo Perales, 8th LD, State Senator

TW: Why are you running?

Perales: We need representation that will shake things up and not be afraid about toeing the party line from time to time. I don’t want to see issues continue to fester. If we can’t start addressing and finding solutions to our problems, it’s time we start looking for new leadership. That’s why I’m running now.

TW: most important issue?

Perales: Taxes. We need massive tax reform to fully fund our schools, rebuild our infrastructure, and pay for services the state funds like Mental Health and combatting wild fires. If it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make sense.

TW: public education?

Perales: Our state Legislature is still in contempt of the McCleary decision. They are essentially playing three card monte and leaving all of us to figure out if they actually funded our education system fully: including teachers’ salaries, classroom sizes, special education, etc. How are we going to fix it? Figure out where our money comes from, major tax reform, and set priorities where OUR money should go.

TW: partisanship?

Perales: Any legislation that I support or sponsor will benefit every voter in the 8th and the whole state. I’m 31 years old and I’m truly disheartened that our legislators “want to bring the fight to the Republicans” or “bring the fight to the governor.” Fight? We all lose when we have that mentality.

TW: cannabis?

Perales: We should as State representatives be lobbying to the federal government to remove Marijuana as a schedule 1 narcotic so we can get on with taxing Marijuana to generate much needed revenue. No more fighting, let’s get this done.

TW: equal protection?

Perales: I don’t support the disrespecting of someone’s existence and the refusal of services to members of our LGBT community. I believe it falls in line with the struggles we dealt with during the civil rights movement. I’m for upholding civil rights.

TW: net neutrality?

Perales: Get the FCC out of the internet business.

TW: federal policies?

Perales: A threat to justice anywhere, is a threat to just everywhere. We should support our AG as he takes the Trump Administration to task on legislation or Executive orders that are harmful to the residents of our state.

Everett Maroon, LD 16, State Rep. Pos. 1

TW: Why are you running?

Maroon: I work in public health and in the regional response to the opioid crisis, and I don't think our elected leaders are doing enough to address health care needs in rural environments like ours. I also hear a lot of people who are struggling to make ends meet and I know we can support them better than we currently do, and as a longtime policy analyst, I am well qualified to try to find solutions that include Southeastern Washington.

TW: most important issue?

Maroon: There is no single issue that is most important facing our state today. However, a related set of issues -- wage stagnation and increasing inflation, opioid dependence and porous health care coverage, lack of mental health support, and a changing climate that is stressing our communities and infrastructure -- are all critical. This is a time for political courage and for comprehensive, thoughtful policy solutions. We can look at the evidence and see how inflation has eaten into the modest economic gains for working people implemented since the congressional tax reform, so how can we better support people in our workforce? Can we stimulate our economy in-state? Can we look at the report authorized by the legislature (that is due to release on December 1st) to analyze our healthcare system in Washington and take up its recommendations to reform our system? Can we expand Medicaid so that more people are covered and we build better bridges to recovery for people dependent on opioids? Those are the kinds of tasks I would like to take up.

TW: public education?

Maroon: I like public education. It's an investment in our future, AND our paramount duty constitutionally. The McCleary decision was a proper decision -- and we still have room to improve, especially around class size, mental health support for students, and teacher retention. I am agnostic on charter schools, except that I think if any program is going to use taxpayer money, then it must be accountable to the taxpayers, so I would like to see charter schools put under the auspices of public school boards, or under a group that is transparent to the public. I'm concerned about funding for schools in my district, because the levy situation has put many of our school districts into a more challenging fiscal position than before. Again, Olympia did not think about how this legislation would impact all of the state.

TW: partisanship?

Maroon: Our government and its legislature is of the people and for the people. Regardless of party, we should seek to find sustainable solutions that protect, support, and improve the lives of our residents. I would be happy to work across the aisle. In my own job as a nonprofit leader in public health, I have often had to work with people of markedly different political attitudes than mine -- we start by identifying our common ground, and go from there. I refuse to play party politics over the needs of my constituents.

TW: cannabis?

Maroon: I have not yet spent a lot of time thinking this through. I'd like to at least see a rationale from both parties, and something of a criteria set that one could use to glean if one position or the other is helpful for the people, or whether a stance is based on presumption or animus. I don't think the state government always knows better than a local government, but I also agree that local governments might not be as well situated to look at the broader impact of a decision. Hopefully we could mediate these kinds of disagreements.

TW: equal protection?

Maroon: Yes, I believe in equal protection. No, I don't think businesses open to the public should be able to use a religious belief in order to discriminate against anyone. Look, religious freedom means the freedom to practice a religion or no religion at all. Religious beliefs, even those deeply held, do not allow for open discrimination.

TW: net neutrality?

Maroon: I am a fan of net neutrality. Access to information is important, especially for people in rural areas that are already underserved by broadband. Throttling users, demanding extra money for more robust download/upload processing, creating a two-tiered Internet for users based on their ability to pay, is all very troubling.

TW: federal policies?

Maroon: I think the Washington State Attorney General should BE ABLE to sue the federal government, not that he or she SHOULD sue anytime there is a conflict. This ought to be done only because the AG thinks rights or values have been harmed or are in danger of harm, but I have so far not disagreed with any of the suits that Mr. Ferguson has brought against the current administration.

Skyler Rude, 16th LD, State Rep. Pos. 2

TW: Why are you running?

Rude: I am running for office because I believe in putting people before politics. Lawmaking should be driven by our values and common sense, not by which party controls the Legislature or who gets credit for legislation. I will continue the 16th District tradition of working across the aisle for the benefit of our state and our community.

TW: most important issue?

Rude: There are several pressing issues that rank in the top. First is improving educational attainment, and increasing high school graduation rates. Second, lack of financial preparedness. A strong reserve account is essential to maintain services for our most vulnerable populations when the economy suffers its next downturn. I support increasing Rainy Day Fund reserves.

TW: public education?

Rude: Public education is a core function of state government and, constitutionally, the state’s paramount duty. I support efforts to improve educational success, including access to public charter schools. The McCleary solution was flawed, but certainly progress in the right direction.

TW: partisanship?

Rude: I hope to form a bipartisan caucus. This would be an opportunity for House members from opposing parties to discuss common ground and build relationships.

TW: cannabis? Rude: Marijuana was legalized statewide, however, I believe local jurisdictions should be a party in the decision making process.

TW: equal protection?

Rude: I believe all services and products should be provided equally to all people, including LGBT individuals. However, participation in religious ceremonies should be exempt. For example, a wedding planner who must be directly involved in a wedding should not be required to plan a wedding for a religion in which they are not comfortable participating.

TW: net neutrality?

Rude: Government has a right to regulate internet service any time government provides tax incentives or infrastructure for such a service.

TW: federal policies?

Rude: Yes, so long as there is legal basis for such suit.

Rebecca Francik, 16th LD, State Rep. Pos. 2

TW: Why are you running?

Francik: I have a degree in Agronomy from WSU and I have served on the Pasco City council for 21 years. I have also served on two separate state infrastructure boards for a total of 18 years funding many regional infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water and sewer systems in Eastern Washington. Currently I am employed as a Nationally board-certified librarian/teacher. I have the background and the experience to make informed decisions for the citizens of Eastern Washington.

TW: most important issue?

Francik: Fully funding education and addressing healthcare including mental health services and updating infrastructure are among the most critical issues facing our state today. The legislature made a good start in education with their initial efforts to comply with McCleary. The solution will need to be refined and should be done so with the input of industry experts who can help them improve the funding mechanisms to ensure the long-term stability and equal access to a high-quality education for all students.

Mental health care including addiction services are not readily available in many Eastern Washington Communities. At least 33% of our prison populations are suffering mental illness without receiving meaningful treatment. This lack of affordable health care is inhumane, expensive, and taxing for families. We must overhaul our current health system. We can begin by reducing overhead and stream lining the billing systems. Negotiating drug prices at the state level and allowing people to order their drugs out of state or from other countries such as Canada will provide market pressure to reduce pharmaceutical prices. Requiring heath providers to list the cost of their services will enable the public to make more informed decisions.

The Association of Washington Business just called for a $190 billion-dollar investment in Washington infrastructure over the next 20 years. This will sustain over 600,000 jobs and keep our state competitive. I actively support this call for investment. One of the first things I will do is ask for a constitutional amendment so the legislature can no longer sweep the Public Works Trust Fund Board fund, which provides low interest loans to local municipalities, to fund local infrastructure projects.

TW: public education?

Francik: One of the best things this country has ever done is to provide a free education to every citizen. Education allows every citizen the opportunity to live a productive life. Unfortunately, Washington has underfunded their paramount duty for years. In years past, 22% of college graduates nationwide planned on being teachers. Now that number has fallen to 4.2%, mostly due to compensation and respect issues at a time when our teaching corps is aging.The McCleary decision will need refining as it currently creates a patchwork of winners and losers among districts. Charter schools are pulling cash from strapped public institutions. Charter Schools have a place but need to live by the same rules as public schools. Charter schools need to be accountable to the public when using public funds and need to meet the same standards as public schools and serve the entire student population. In order to fund schools, I would immediately institute sunsets on all tax exemptions. Those exempted will have to prove on a scheduled basis that their exemption is providing a public benefit to all Washington residents and not harming schools or public infrastructure to receive a renewal of the exemption.

TW: partisanship?

Francik: As a city council member, I worked in a non-partisan manner for 21 years. As a librarian I care about facts, good research, and asking questions. As a legislator I will engage civilly with my fellow legislators and strive to provide the very best service for my community.

TW: cannabis?

Francik: The state vote on cannabis was state wide. The sale of cannabis is now a commerce issue. When a majority of the citizens vote to enact legislation, it is the duty of the state to enact that legislation state wide regardless of local feelings for or against. Commerce in our state cannot be broken down by counties; it needs to be uniform state wide.

TW: equal protection?

Francik: I believe in equal protection under the law for all members of humanity no matter what their individual differences may be. This includes the LGBT community. Businesses open to the public should be required to serve ALL members of the public regardless of the individual beliefs of the owners of those businesses. People are free to practice their own deeply held beliefs in the privacy of their homes but are not free to impose those beliefs within the public market place.

TW: net neutrality?

Francik: I am delighted our state has enacted rules protecting net neutrality. The neutrality of the net is as basic to our customer service needs as electricity.

TW: federal policies?

Francik: It is the duty of the Washington State Attorney General to protect the people of the state of Washington. When the Attorney General determines that federal policy conflicts with state policy, then it is appropriate for the AG to bring suit against the federal government and allow the justice system to weigh the pros and cons of each side and make a ruling.